instill

verb

in·​still in-ˈstil How to pronounce instill (audio)
instilled; instilling; instills

transitive verb

1
: to impart gradually
instilling a love of learning in children
2
: to cause to enter drop by drop
instill medication into the infected eye
instillation noun
instiller noun
instillment noun
Choose the Right Synonym for instill

implant, inculcate, instill, inseminate, infix mean to introduce into the mind.

implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught.

implanted a love of reading in her students

inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind.

tried to inculcate in him high moral standards

instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time.

instill traditional values in your children

inseminate applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation.

inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology

infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought.

infixed a chronic cynicism

Examples of instill in a Sentence

a charismatic leader who instilled in his followers a passionate commitment to the cause
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Supporters say the law’s purpose is to instill accountability; federal discounts on drug prices should be used to help patients. Andre Mouchard, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024 However, the practical implications of such raids could be far-reaching, disrupting local economies and instilling fear within immigrant communities. Brian Bennett, TIME, 3 Nov. 2024 Coming off of their first two losses of the season, James and the Lakers recommitted to a lot of the principles coach JJ Redick has tried to instill in them early this season. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 One in five workers (22%) are instilling greater boundaries by not taking on work outside of their specific job descriptions. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instill 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin instillare, from in- + stillare to drip, from stilla drop

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of instill was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near instill

Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instill. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

instill

verb
in·​still in-ˈstil How to pronounce instill (audio)
: to gradually cause to feel or have
instill a love of music
instillation noun
instiller noun

Medical Definition

instill

transitive verb
in·​still in-ˈstil How to pronounce instill (audio)
instilled; instilling
: to cause to enter especially drop by drop
instill medication into the infected eye

More from Merriam-Webster on instill

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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